Young Reader Reaction: Ghost Medicine is written from Troy's point of view. As teenagers we can connect with him, and we understand his need for hope. Some of the content and language do not suit young children, but mature readers (10+) should be able to handle the common references to tobacco and alcohol.

The story itself lacks the expected qualities of complicated twists and the anticipated romance, but that is what makes the novel so different and special. Its mood is very calm, even with the occasional violence. The author describes every scene with great detail and dialogue. There were a few chapters where those details slow down the pace and may cause the reader to drop his or her attention. But you should keep reading.

As the story progresses, the characters evolve into complex and understandable people. This novel will make the reader wish for something like the ghost medicine. It helped Troy and his friends stay invisible and invincible against time, even for the briefest moment.

To read our full review, go to The Reading Tub®.

"That summer, we all had the ghost medicine that made us vanish and fade in ways we never thought, never saw. Anyway, it was what we wanted. And I guess that's how all boys die." - Page 125 - wow ( )

Publishers Weekly Sept 22, 2008 v255 i38 p59(1)

School Library Journal Sept 2008 v54 i9 p193(2)